Yaicha

For the first time in my life, I am serving on a jury. Even though I have been a registered voter since age 18, for some reason I have never been called for jury duty until now (got called once when I was away at college, and so was excused).

So I showed up this morning with more than 200 of my fellow citizens at the courthouse, and my name was the second one called. We were sent up to a civil case, and that’s all I will say about it, since of course I am not permitted to discuss it at all, as the trial is not over. But I was seated as one of the eight jurors, and the other 24 in our panel were dismissed (actually, they were recycled, as they had to return to the “pool” and then get sent to other trials for consideration).

Since the judge expects our trial to only last two days, I figure I got pretty lucky. If I had not been chosen, I still would have had to show up the second day, anyway. And I could have ended up on a case that lasts longer. Plus, I admit I am happy not to be dealing with a criminal case. I’d rather judge a dispute than decide whether someone goes to prison. It’s a lighter responsibility, as I see it.

So, no email during the day and they take my cell phone away, too (it has a camera on it and that’s not allowed). And I get to see that in real life court is not as exciting as on Boston Legal. In fact, so far it’s downright tedious at times.

After the trial ends I will be permitted to discuss it, so I will share my insights from my participation in our justice system. I am rather looking forward to the deliberations, as at that point we actually get to do something besides sit there like stones. Suddenly we will have the power and we’ll get to apply our hearts and minds to the problem before us. It should be quite interesting!